CANCER survivor Sarah Gurney shared her story with film star Gwyneth Paltrow at the launch of a new charity campaign.

Stand Up To Cancer is a new campaign to raise money for Cancer Research UK which has teamed up with Channel 4 to hold a televised fundraising extravaganza next month.

At the launch of the campaign this week, Sarah, 23, of Whitestone, Nuneaton, was invited to share her story with a host of celebrities and VIPs who are backing the campaign.

Sarah was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in February 2011. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and in March this year was told she is in remission.

Since being given the good news, Sarah has dedicated her time to supporting Cancer Research UK and was delighted to be invited to share the message of the new campaign.

Speaking about the launch this week, she said: “It was amazing. Gwyneth Paltrow was really nice, although I did feel very short stood next to her! We had a little chat which was great.

“I think more people take notice of things like this when celebrities get involved so if that’s what it takes to get people to support the charity then it’s good to get them on board.”

Sarah also features in a new video produced by the charity, along with others who have been affected by cancer.

“It was quite emotional. One of the ladies in it has terminal cancer and it also featured a little girl and a man who have survived cancer. It’s a very effective video,” said Sarah, who has just started a three-year nursing degree at Birmingham University.

“When I went into remission I wanted to do everything I could to raise awareness of cancer so other people won’t have to go through what I did.”

Channel 4 will air a fundraising night Stand Up To Cancer on October 19 featuring a mix of entertainment, music and science and fronted by comedian Alan Carr, son of former Nuneaton Town manager Graham Carr, TV presenter Davina McCall and Dr Christian Jessen.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who lost her father to cancer ten years ago and is the co-executive producer of Stand Up To Cancer USA, said she is pleased to be supporting the campaign in the UK.

“We have the power to make cancer powerless – perhaps even end it. But it takes more research, and that requires funding,” she said.

“Cancer has taken some of the best among us, and it is time for us all to stand up and fight back. I’m so proud to be standing up to cancer for my dad.

“Please tune in and donate on October 19.

“Stand for the people you love in your life.

“Stand for these amazing advances in science and medicine – Stand Up To Cancer.”